Agronomists: Scout Fields Now For Soybean Aphids

Soybean growers should be on the alert for possible heavy levels of soybean aphid infestations, particularly in northern Iowa, southern Minnesota, eastern South Dakota and Nebraska. To minimize possible yield loss, Syngenta agronomists urge soybean growers to scout their fields now for this yield-robbing pest.

Here are four considerations for scouting soybean aphids:

Significant soybean aphid outbreaks occur every two years. “Historically, large soybean aphid outbreaks occur every two years, and this year, fields are under the threat of a potentially significant outbreak,” said Gary Prescher, Syngenta agronomist. “As plants move into the next stage of growth, we can expect soybean aphid populations to increase.”

Soybean aphid populations can grow quickly. Soybean aphid populations can double in as few as two days and can quickly colonize soybean fields, causing devastating effects on soybean plants. If left untreated, soybean aphids can overtake soybean plants, spread viruses and reduce yields by 50 percent or more.

Pay close attention to plant appearance. When scouting for aphids, look for yellow leaf edges and sticky residue left by the aphids. Severely infested plants often have sooty mold and black fungi resulting from this residue.

Other Options

If you do not want to worry about soybean aphids, plant NK Brand soybeans with AMS (Aphid Management System), technology, the industry’s first and only fully integrated option for innovative control of yield-robbing aphid infestations prior to reaching economically damaging levels.

AMS is an environmental stewardship approach using multiple modes of action. AMS technology combines elite NK brand soybean genetics with a trait for resistance to soybean aphids, supported by CruiserMaxx Beans insecticide/fungicide seed treatment to protect against aphids. Research trials show that AMS technology reduced aphid populations by 86 percent and increased yields by 5.4 Bu/A1 in sites with moderate to severe aphid infestation. Additionally, by utilizing multiple modes of action, AMS technology reduces the risk of resistance development and significantly extends the window of aphid control.

If soybean aphids reach populations of 250 per plant, growers will qualify for the Aphid Management Assurance, which provides $5 per acre toward the purchase of Endigo ZC insecticide.

For soybean fields that are not protected from aphids with AMS technology, aphid populations can still be managed through intensive scouting and spraying techniques using Endigo ZC insecticide from Syngenta. Endigo ZC insecticide has three industry-leading technologies that work together to provide control of a broad spectrum of harmful insects in soybean. Combining the proven performance of lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam, plus a proprietary Zeon Concentrate formulation, Endigo ZC offers fast knockdown and extended residual control of soybean aphids.

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